The Black Belt

A young martial artist kneeling before the Master Sensei in a ceremony to receive a hard-earned black belt. After years of relentless training, the student has finally reached a pinnacle of achievement in the discipline. "Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test," says the Sensei. "I am ready," responds the student, expecting perhaps one final round of sparring. "You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of the black belt?" "The end of my journey," says the student. "A well-deserved reward for all my hard work." The Sensei waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, the Sensei speaks. "You are not yet ready for the black belt. Return in one year." A year later, the student kneels again in front of the Sensei. "What is the true meaning of the black belt?" asks the Sensei. "A symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art," says the student. The Sensei says nothing for many minutes, waiting. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, he speaks. "You are still not ready for the black belt. Return in one year." A year later, the student kneels once again in front of the Sensei. And again the Sensei asks: "What is the true meaning of the black belt?" "The black belt represents the beginning - the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, work, and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard," says the student. "Yes. You are now ready to receive the black belt and begin your work."

My Message

Sure, you might not be receiving a black belt in a martial art any time soon, but lets kick back to a moment in your life where you reached a pinnacle in something you achieved. Did you move on and forget about it, or did you take that moment of achievement to a higher, greater level? Our experience in this world is one of learning, to always gain deeper insights of our unique journey. We are learning new things every day in every aspect of our lives, so it is safe to say with certainty that we will never reach an end of learning… The more you know about a subject, the more you realise is still unknown. On the surface level this seems like a frustrating cycle, but it is one of the most beautiful things we possess. Imagine living in a state of totally mastery, of total knowledge, you would no longer have the thrill of new discovery, and the excitement of resolving unanswered questions. Life is certainly not stagnant so how could our understanding of it be. Each milestone along the way is only just the beginning of your next stage of development and as you learn this, never forget how important it is to master the art of humility required to keep learning.

May you have an awesome week, where your understanding keeps building to a wiser and more fulfilled life.
Darren Zwiers

The Quote:

"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."  - T. S. Eliot